The medical school's Independent Study Program (ISP) and the Neuroscience Graduate Studies Program developed a unique seven year M.D./Ph.D. program that coordinates the learning resources of both programs.  It is offered to a limited number of highly motivated talented students.  There are several aspects of this program that enrich the learning experiences to prepare students for academic careers as medical scientists.  Students interested in earning an M.D./Ph.D should contact the Medical Scientist Program (MSP) administrator, Ashley Bertran.  Additional information is located at http://www.osumdphd.org/.

Essential aspects of this program are presented below:

• Patient-Centered Research, a course developed specifically to address issues critical for M.D./Ph.D. students, is taken during year one.
• During the second year, students take anatomy and ISP modules for Med II.
• A course in Physician Development includes history taking, doctor-patient relationship, infection control, instrument correlates, and clinical preceptorships.
• Students take step 1 of the USMLE at the end of year 2.
• At the end of year 3 students take the Graduate School candidacy examination.
• Years three to five consist mainly of dissertation research, but during this time students will also take medical school courses in Doctor-Patient Relationship and Physical Examination, and engage in clinical experiences with a clinical preceptor for one half-day per month.
• During all years students will attend the MSP seminars and participate in both the annual MSP Retreat and the Medical Center's Graduate and Postgraduate Research Day.